42-7928 P-47  411th Squadron  373rd Fighter Group

29 May 1944

Shot down by Flak

Crash site: Noirefontaine

2 Lt Robert Grace Pilot  O-815317 Escape

On the 29 May 1944 while in the vicinity of Stavelot, Belgium, I heard 2^nd Lt Robert J. Grace report by radio that he was in trouble and saw his plane drop from formation. The engine was smoking badly. He next reported that his engine had stopped and that he could not start it. He was ordered to bail out at 5000 feet and acknowledged receipt of the order. I saw his plane glide in and crash in a wooded area. This ship exploded and burned. I orbited the spot but did not see any sign of Lt Grace nor did I observe his parachute either  in the air or the ground.

James R. Forest 2^nd Lt., Air Corps